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Embark on an Unforgettable Journey Through Southeast Asia's Hidden Treasures
Sep 19 - Oct 4, 2026
Join The Woodlands Travel Club for a mesmerizing exploration of Cambodia and Vietnam, where ancient traditions meet vibrant modern cultures along the mighty Mekong River. This extraordinary adventure offers you the flexibility to choose between two incredible experiences: our comprehensive 13-day land and river journey, or an intimate 8-day Mekong River cruise.
For those wanting a longer adventure, please reach out to us directly to find out more about extended itinerary options that include Ha Long Bay and/or Thailand.
Keep scrolling for more details of the itinerary!
Whether you choose the full 13-day odyssey or the enchanting 8-day river cruise, you'll experience:
- Authentic cultural encounters with local families and artisans
- Expert-guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Luxurious accommodations both on land and river
- Carefully curated culinary experiences featuring local specialties
- Small-group excursions that take you beyond the tourist trails
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure where every moment tells a story, and every destination reveals another layer of Southeast Asia's fascinating heritage.
Itinerary
Sat, Sep 19: Houston, TX, USA
Sun, Sep 20
Mon, Sep 21: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Tue, Sep 22: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Wed, Sep 23: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Thu, Sep 24: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Fri, Sep 25: Angkor Ban, Cambodia
Sat, Sep 26: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Sun, Sep 27: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Mon, Sep 28: Châu Đốc, Vietnam
Tue, Sep 29: Long Khánh, Vietnam
Wed, Sep 30: Vinh Long, Vietnam
Thu, Oct 1: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Fri, Oct 2
Full Itinerary
Option 1 - Cambodia & Vietnam: A Journey of Discovery 13 Days of Wonder, Culture & Luxury along the Mekong
Why choose our complete 13-day adventure? Because some experiences simply shouldn't be rushed.
Start your journey with three spectacular days in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Here, you'll have time to truly experience the awe-inspiring Temples of Angkor. Watch the sunrise paint Angkor Wat in golden hues, explore mysterious temples with giant stone faces, and wander through ruins where massive tree roots embrace ancient stones. As evening falls, enjoy enchanting traditional dance performances and discover the city's vibrant food scene and night markets.
Then step aboard your luxury Avalon Waterways river ship for a magical cruise down the Mekong River. Each day brings new adventures:
- Meet Buddhist monks and receive a traditional blessing
- Visit with local schoolchildren in rural villages
- Take a countryside ride in an ox cart to meet farmers
- Explore glittering palaces and ancient temples
- Watch artisans craft beautiful silver pieces and traditional boats
As your journey continues into Vietnam, you'll discover the heart of the Mekong Delta. Float through vibrant markets, see how local crafts are made, and experience daily life along the river.
Cap off your adventure with two full days in bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Learn to cook Vietnamese specialties, sip drinks at historic rooftop bars, and explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. These final days help you truly understand Vietnam's fascinating past and dynamic present.
Throughout your journey, enjoy luxury accommodations at the prestigious Park Hyatt hotels and aboard your elegant river cruise ship. We've carefully designed this combination of land and river travel to give you the most rewarding and comfortable way to experience Southeast Asia.
Join us for this unforgettable adventure. Whether you're watching the sunset over ancient temples, chatting with local villagers, or savoring authentic cuisine, each day brings new discoveries that will stay with you forever.
Option 2 - Mekong River Discovery: An 8-Day Journey Through Cambodia & Vietnam
Short on time but still yearning to experience the magic of Southeast Asia? Our 8-day Mekong River cruise offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion, authentic experiences, and luxury travel – all while unpacking just once!
Your journey begins in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, where you'll board your elegant Avalon Waterways Suite Ship®. As you cruise along the mighty Mekong, each day unfolds with new adventures:
In Cambodia:
- Receive a traditional water blessing from monks at the ancient hilltop temple of Wat Hanchey
- Walk through the rural village of Angkor Ban, visiting a traditional Khmer house and meeting local schoolchildren
- Take a peaceful ox-cart ride through the countryside, stopping to chat with local farmers
- Explore Phnom Penh's stunning Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
- Choose between visiting the historic Central Market by tuk-tuk or learning about Cambodia's recent history
Crossing into Vietnam, discover the heart of the Mekong Delta:
- Wander through vibrant local markets in Chau Doc
- Watch traditional cotton weaving in Long Khanh A
- Visit one of Vietnam's oldest Catholic churches
- See how iconic conical hats are handcrafted from palm leaves and bamboo
- Learn how local families build traditional sampan boats
- Observe the making of rice paper, rice wine, and Vietnamese candies
Throughout your journey, enjoy the comfort of your luxury river cruise ship, where you can watch village life unfold along the riverbanks from your suite or the ship's observation deck. End your adventure in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, staying at the prestigious Park Hyatt Saigon.
This carefully crafted 8-day journey gives you the perfect taste of two fascinating countries, proving that you don't need weeks of vacation to experience the wonders of Southeast Asia. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that makes the most of every moment.
What's Included?
Avalon Saigon
On Your Avalon Waterways Cruise:
- All of your meals with wine and beer available at lunch and dinner
- A variety of snacks, coffee and tea in between meals
- Most of your tours during the itinerary
- A dedicated cruise tour manager
- Your onboard suite with beautiful views of the Mekong
On Your Pre- & Post-Stay (if booked):
- First-class hotels before and after your cruise
- Included guided experiences and tours
- Meals as shown in the itinerary
What's Not Included?
- Airfare (can take advantage of Globus rates as they become available)
- Ground transfers (available for $49-$69 per person through Avalon Waterways)
- Insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Extra experiences
- Souvenirs and sundries
- Hotels if not booked as part of the package
- Gratuities (will be included with our group rate if we reach a minimum of ten people traveling; currently between $189 - $277 per person depending on the itinerary*)
*For itineraries longer than 13-days, pre-paid gratuity rate will increase.
Pricing & Deposits
Cruise-only, Double-Occupancy
- Deck 1 - $7,858^
- Deck 2 - $8,818^
Cruise-only, Single Occupancy
- Deck 1 - $5,929*
- Deck 2 - $7,529^
*Single supplement waived on select 2026 Mekong river cruise departures in Category B staterooms
^Save $4,000 per couple, $2,000 per person on select Mekong River Cruises
Deck Plan of the Avalon Saigon
Cruise & Tour, Double-Occupancy
- Deck 1 - $11,538^
- Deck 2 - $12,498^
Cruise & Tour, Single-Occupancy
- Deck 1 - $8,629*
- Deck 2 - $10,229^
*Single supplement waived on select 2026 Mekong river cruise departures in Category B staterooms
^Save $4,000 per couple, $2,000 per person on select Mekong River Cruises
To secure your space, please register and pay a $250 per person, nonrefundable deposit. Please note that current promotions and rates can change at any time.
Passport & Visa Requirements
To travel with Avalon Waterways, your passport MUST be valid for six months beyond your trip end date. For assistance renewing you passport, please call 1-800-845-8968.
Please note that visas are required for US citizens visiting Vietnam & Cambodia. Globus/Avalon Waterways has partnered with Generations Visa Service to provide services for their guests.
Regardless of whether you utilize Generations Visa Service or not, the procurement of required travel permissions and documents is the sole responsibility of the person(s) traveling.
To view and download your visa kits, please visit https://www.genvisa.com/avalon/
[This information will be included in your itinerary and it the follow up messages you receive from Exemplary Travel Advisors and Avalon Waterways.]